What to expect Spoiler alert

If you’re not a fan of surprises – or to get a head-start on that safari-mood – take a look at what you can expect to see, do, find, and eat on safari. It’s a taste of what’s to come. Bon appetit.

A typical day on safari

Safaris have a rhythm to them. You’ll be up before the sun each morning for the best game viewing. After a strong coffee and a bite of breakfast, you’re off on a game drive, walking safari, canoe or mokoro ride. And when the day starts to heat up, you’ll head back to camp for a hearty brunch and a few hours of siesta. Some lodges offer an afternoon high-tea that could compete with a London hotel, where tables groan under the piles of sweet and savoury treats.

Afternoons are usually best for game drives and boat cruises – and compulsory sundowners. After-dinner drives are a great way to spot nocturnal species. Speaking of dinner, brace yourself for a casual but multi-course affair each night. Round it off with a nightcap and star-gazing fire-side, before being safely escorted to your door by your guide.

Getting around

Most fly-in safaris involve transfers from camp to camp in small planes – or helicopters – with great game-viewing along the way. (You often get the first glimpse of your guide as you’re coming into land, frantically chasing impala off the airstrip ahead of you.) If your camps are close to one another, you might take a short game drive – or a boat – to get there. On transfer days, you’ll usually make the move around mid-day, so you don’t miss out on your morning and afternoon activities either side. Smart.

Seeing animals

This may sound like an obvious one but seeing every bird or animal on your wish list might not happen. Likely? Yes. Guaranteed? No. Your guide may seem like a miracle-maker – and the good ones really are – but some things are out of even their hands. Enjoy the experience of trying to track your favourites down –that’s the best part. Just don’t expect to find them. That way, when you do, it’ll be even more special.

What to wear

On safari, neutral colours and cool natural fibres are your friends. Your lumo activewear may be comfy, but it’ll make you stick out like a sore thumb. Great for school runs and coffee catch-ups. Tracking the Big Five on foot, not so much.

The African sun is no joke. It’s hotter, brighter and way more intense than elsewhere in the world. Come prepared. If you’re travelling in winter (around June to August) you’ll want to bring a few extra layers. Morning game drives in the Kalahari regularly drop below freezing, though you’ll be headed to the pool by midday.

Food, glorious food

You will never, ever starve on a safari. Trust us on this. As a rule of thumb, expect to be fed approximately every five minutes. And if you’ve got a noticeably empty hand, it probably needs a drink too. Each day is a never-ending stream of home-baked treats, Mimosa-fuelled brunches, heaving afternoon tea tables, candy jars, sundowner snacks, fireside canapes, and multi-course dinners paired with some of South Africa’s finest wines. Everything is flown in fresher-than fresh, and lovingly prepared by a team of smiling, talented chefs who are always happy to try and accommodate your dietary needs. (Springing something like a nut allergy on them when you step off the plane can be a little unfair, so the more we can prep them in advance, the better.) Come hungry.

Safari etiquette

Being a great safari-goer starts and ends with good old-fashioned respect. Not just for the wildlife and the environment, but for your fellow guests. And for the rules in general. 

• Give wild animals their space
  Wild animals are unpredictable. Don’t let those cuddly paws and funny trunks fool you. If they feel threatened, they can be incredibly dangerous. Don’t get too close to them, and definitely don’t try to pet them or feed them. It’ll only end in tears. (And a lot of unpleasant admin.)
• Be a silent observer
  When you’re around wild animals, especially on a game drive, keep your voice lowered and your movements slow. Drawing attention to yourself can upset the animals. Distracting a stalking predator could mean they miss out on a vital meal. And, whatever you do, don’t ever bang the side of the vehicle to get an animal’s attention for that perfect photo. Just don’t.
• Don’t take anything with you
  Leave everything in nature where you found it: Feathers for bookmarks, teeth from old skulls, and seed pods to plant back home. They may seem small and insignificant but they’re part of something much bigger. And they could land you in some serious hot water if they’re found in your luggage at the airport. Rather take a photo … or buy something from the safari boutique.
• Be on time for activities
  Unless you’ve booked a private vehicle, make sure you’re ready for your game drive at the pre-arranged time. There’s nothing more upsetting than having to wait for someone when it’s all kicking off out there. 
• Listen to your safari guide
  If your safari guide asks you to do something – or not do something – listen to them. They’re not there to put a damper on things, they’re there to keep you safe.
• There’s no such thing as a stupid question
  As long as you don’t ask which side the sun sets in Africa or why the stars are upside-down. And, note, it’s a windsock on the runway and not a giraffe feeding bag.

Safety 101

Safaris are incredibly safe and a ton of fun – if you play by the rules. You’re in a remote, wild area, surrounded by dangerous animals who often move freely through the camps. Taking a few precautions and listening to the expert advice of your guide will maximise your enjoyment. 

Don’t approach any animals or try to feed them. Stick to the boardwalks or designated pathways when you’re in camp and, unless told otherwise, don’t leave your room alone after dark. Your guide will escort you to and from the room at a pre-arranged time. In case of a night-time emergency, there’s an emergency horn or a two-way radio in your room so you don’t have to go looking for help. 

It’s important that you decide on your own comfort levels before you book your safari. If you’d prefer to be somewhere that’s a little closer to civilisation or a little less wild, tell us. We want you to have an unforgettable, worry-free trip.

What’s in your room

You can expect your safari tent (or treehouse) to be pretty well kitted out with all the important things:

• Mosquito net
• Insect repellent
• Room safe
• Shower amenities such as shampoo and body wash (they usually smell heavenly)
• A torch
• Emergency air horn, two-way radio or telephone (if you need help during the night)
• Lockable room safe
• Adapters for international plugs
• Indoor and outdoor showers (take your pick)
• Tea and coffee station (and maybe a Nespresso machine)
• A fan or AC

Many of the high-end camps also include:

• Complimentary mini bars
• Private plunge pools
• Telephones
• Free-standing bathtubs (with one heck of a view)
• Hairdryers (smaller solar-powered camps can’t support them – you’ll cause a black out)
• Fireplaces

Be sure to check with us what’s available at the camps you’re travelling to, so you come prepared.

Cool extras

Amenities vary from camp to camp, but many have some great gear that’s free for you to use while you’re there. (We’ll let you know which ones apply to your specific camps before you go.)

• Binoculars and spotting scopes 
• Telescopes for stargazing 
• Professional cameras and lenses (and use of a photo editing suite)
• Detachable bean bags and camera mounts for the vehicle

Your game drives themselves are very well equipped, too. They’ll typically include:

• Snacks to nibble on (because four meals a day isn’t enough)
• A cooler box with water and all your prepacked favourite drinks
• Tea, coffee and hot chocolate (and biscuits, of course)
• Warm blankets and hot water bottles for early morning game drives in winter
• Ponchos in case of sudden downpours

Ranger danger

Last but not least, an important PSA: Khaki Fever is real, kids. And there’s a pretty good chance you’ll catch it just from looking at your hotter-than-hot safari guide or pilot. Don’t worry. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to have a drink with both of them, so don’t feel like you have to make the first move.